Retrofit drink holder

ABSTRACT

The retrofit drink holder utilizes a 3″ circumference and and 2″ deep area on horizontal or sloped surfaces to be used for a convenient beverage holder. This approach is novel in that it makes use of unutilized existing space. Other aftermarket drink holders involve hangers and are not integrated into an existing dashboard or other surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicles often have sloped dashboard surfaces and no factory installed drink holders. This presents ergonomic and safety problems for drivers and passengers who wish to consume a beverage. Without any place to set the drink while the vehicle is moving, vehicle occupants must either risk spillage from setting their drink on a precarious surface or must hold and juggle the drink preventing use of both hands for other purposes, such as steering. The retrofit drink holder allows easy installation of a beverage holder providing a convenient solution to this dilemma. No other approach integrating the drink holder into existing surfaces and addressing this problem is known to applicant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A slip-in drink retainer designed to be installed in a 3″ diameter hole in a flat or sloped surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1—The Retrofit Drink Holder (front side view)

FIG. 2—The Retrofit Drink Holder (rear side view)

FIG. 3—The Retrofit Drink Holder (left side view)

FIG. 4—The Retrofit Drink Holder (top view)

FIG. 5—The Retrofit Drink Holder (bottom view)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The retrofit drink holder is a 3.33″ diameter cup-shaped retainer whose 2.75″ diameter interior is designed to accept most standard drink containers up to 32 oz. By modifying the slope of the 0.38″ extruding upper lip, the device can accommodate varying sloped surfaces (see FIG. 3). It installs into a 3″ circumference hole drilled with a standard hole saw by simply pushing the lower 2.95″ circumference portion into the hole and arranging the lip so the holder maintains a horizontal surface. The upper lip covers any damage to the subject surface caused by the saw. Tabs mounted below the upper lip allow the device to be locked into position in the subject surface. The upper lip is beveled in the device interior permitting drinks to be easily inserted.

Installation of the Retrofit Drink Holder is accomplished as follows:

-   -   1. Inspect installation area. Examine the area around the         proposed installation location for clearance. Allow more than 3″         circumference clearance above the surface to accommodate the lip         of the drink holder. The area beneath the surface requires 2″         clearance. Relocate any wiring or other material which will         obstruct installation.     -   2. Drill guide hole. Center the drill bit in the installation         location and drill a guide hole.     -   3. Drill 3″ hole. Using a 3″ hole saw appropriate for the         surface to be cut, use the guide hole to center the hole saw and         drill a 3″ hole in the surface.     -   4. Clean Up. Vacuum or otherwise clean up any debris.     -   5. Install drink holder. Insert the drink holder base into the         hole and push it into place. If the surface is not level, rotate         the holder so the tapered lip is placed so the base of the drink         holder is level. 

1. The subject matter of the invention pertains to an approach to aesthetically integrate a drink holder into many flat and graduated surfaces such as automobile dashboards, providing a convenient utilitarian feature. 